Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026
Chess festival in Slovenia: Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026
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Everything you need to know about the grand chess festival in Radenets.
About the tournament: Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026The chess world is gearing up for one of the most exciting events of the summer of 2026 – the Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026. This flagship festival, organized by the Kasparov Chess Foundation, promises six days of intense chess competition and unforgettable experiences. It will be held from June 25 to 30, 2026 in the picturesque town of Radenci, Slovenia. The festival includes two main tournaments: a large-scale Open tournament and an exciting blitz tournament, which is the 2nd Albin Planinc Memorial. In addition to the competitions, the festival program includes a special Kasparov Chess Day dedicated to various chess activities. This is a great opportunity for ambitious players to compete in high-level classical chess and enjoy the atmosphere of friendship and sportsmanship.
Historical background and tournament prestige
The Kasparov Chess Foundation (KCF) is known worldwide as a leading organization that actively supports and develops chess, especially among young people. Founded by legendary world champion Garry Kasparov, the KCF aims to popularize chess as a tool for developing critical thinking and strategic skills. Although the Friendship Festival itself is an annual event that chooses a new venue each time, its status as a "flagship" open tournament under the auspices of the KCF automatically gives it high prestige. Participation in such a tournament is not only a chance to win significant prizes, but also an opportunity to join the legacy of the great Kasparov and play in competitions that meet the highest world standards. The tournament is held under the auspices of the Kasparov Chess Foundation, which guarantees its high level of organization and fair competition.
Venue and infrastructure: Radenci, Slovenia
The venue for the Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026 has been chosen to be the Radin Hotel Congress Center in Radenci, Slovenia. Radenci is a well-known resort region, famous for its healing waters and beautiful nature. It is an ideal place to combine intense chess battles with relaxation and health improvement. The infrastructure of the Radin Hotel offers comfortable conditions for participants, and its location in the resort area makes it easy to combine a chess week with exploring the picturesque corners of Slovenia. Participants will have access to all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay and focused play.
Prize Fund, Organizers and Sponsors
The total prize pool of the Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026 is an impressive €28,000, making it one of the most attractive open tournaments in Europe. Prize pool distribution:
- Open-турнір: €25,000
- Blitz Tournament: €3,000
- 1st place: €5,000
- 2nd place: €3,000
- 3rd place: €2,000
- ... and up to 10th place, as well as prizes for rating groups (2200-2399, 2050-2199, 1900-2149, 1750-1899, up to 1750) of €500 for first place in each group.
Participants and conditions of participation: who can play?
The Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026 is open to all players, regardless of age or rating. It is a great chance for chess players of all levels to test their skills. Main conditions of participation:
- Format: The Open tournament is played in a 9-round Swiss system using the Baku Acceleration Method. The Blitz tournament is played in an 11-round Swiss system.
- Rating: The tournament is rated by FIDE Elo. The FIDE Elo list from June 1, 2026 is used for distribution into rating groups.
- Time control:
- Open: 75 minutes per game + 30 seconds per move; after 40 moves, 15 minutes + 30 seconds per move is added.
- Blitz: 3 minutes per game + 2 seconds per move.
- Entry fee:
- Open: €80 (standard) / €60 (with discount for titled players and juniors).
- Blitz: €15 (with advance registration) / €20 (with on-site registration on June 28).
- Benefits: The organizer supports broad participation by offering reduced fees for titled players and juniors, as well as free participation for high-ranked players upon early registration.
- Prize Categories: There are numerous cash categories based on ranking and age groups, making the tournament attractive to a wide range of participants.
Official website and where to follow the tournament
All current information, registration and the opportunity to follow the progress of the competition will be available on the official tournament website: mychess.events. We recommend visiting the website regularly to receive the latest news, schedule and game results.
A picturesque, serene watercolor painting of Radenci, Slovenia, featuring lush green hills, a gentle river, and charming traditional Slovenian architecture under a clear summer sky. Subtle chess elements are integrated into the scene, such as a chessboard pattern subtly blending into a field or stylized chess pieces resembling small local landmarks. The overall mood is peaceful and inviting. The text "Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival 2026" is elegantly displayed. Aspect ratio 1:1.
A vibrant, realistic photograph showcasing the attractive tourist appeal of Radenci, Slovenia. The modern and welcoming exterior of the Congress Center of Hotel Radin is visible, surrounded by the lush, green health resort area. In the foreground, people are seen enjoying outdoor activities like walking or cycling, or relaxing by a natural spring. Emphasize the natural beauty, fresh air, and the inviting atmosphere for both visitors and tournament participants. Bright, clear daylight. Aspect ratio 1:1.
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